Chatting is a way of communicating via the Internet.  It is similiar to email in some regards but differs in that it allows you to “chat” in real time.  Messages you type show up on the recipient’s computer moments after you send it, and then they can respond quickly back to you.  In this way, chatting lets you talk to people around the world.

If you have additional questions about chat, check the links below or read the online documentation for the chat client of your choice. Erienet does not provide support for chat software.

There are many other graphical chat servers; these are a few interesting ones to start off with.

Graphical Chats

ichat
Chat from your browser with ichat.
The Palace
Another comic-style chat system running on Palace servers.
BlackSun Interactive

 

A 3D VRML multi-user environment, with links to all the top web and VRML sites via PointWorld.
Microsoft Comic Chat
A comic-strip style IRC client.
AOL Instant Messenger
Use this program to chat with your AOL friends.
PowWow
Chat program supporting both text and voice. Even has text to voice feature.

Text Chats (IRC)

Software you will need

Windows 95

mIRC,  ICQ or PIRCH
Win3.1 software available here

Macintosh

Ircle (recommended)

Informative Links

Homer Tutorial
Ircle Home Page
IRC Central
IRC Information Library

What is the IRC?
The IRC, or Inter-Relay-Chat, is a place where you can chat with other people from all around the world on a number of different servers.

IRC Hints and Tips

IRC is not secure
Since IRC is not secure, please do not give out sensitive information such as your address, phone number or password. This is important enough to repeat. Never give your password to someone in the IRC.

Nicknames
When you log into IRC, you will need your own nickname. Be sure to think of a few. IRC is a big place. At any given time, there might be thousands of people logged in. Each of those people must have a unique nickname. If the one that you want is taken, keep a back-up or two in mind.

Lag Time
IRC connects people from all around the world. There might be a "lag" time between when you send a message to when others receive it. If you find the lag time too great, try connecting to another server.

Channels
There are hundreds of IRC channels that you can visit. Here are a few to get you started.

Channel Names
IRC Channels ("chat rooms") all begin with a # sign. When entering into a new channel, don't forget to put in the # before the name. For example, you might visit the #pets or #dennys.

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